Thanks for the Memory.

50Twuncle

cookie365 wrote: »

Googling Medion MS-7728 seems to suggest that this computer does indeed exist, but it doesn't show on Medion's website.

Got a link?

This link suggests there are no integrated graphics in the base configuration, so what's using 2Gb is beyond me
http://www.findlaptopdriver.com/medionpc-ms-7728-motherboard-specs/

Are you sure you don't have a 32 bit OS?

If you're determined to throw money after some extra gb then see if you can match the existing 4gb module. Run CPU-Z from CPUID and use the dropdowns in the SPD tab to find the spec, and get the closest matching module and hope.

Worst case is that it wont match, but then I can't see a huge performance boost even if it does.

No - Medion stopped selling this particular model some months ago (I think that it was underpriced - at less than £500 for an i7 3770k 1.5Tb 6Gb machine - perhaps they realised this and stopped) - the nearest would be a P5316 akoya - the difference being an extra 2Gb RAM and a 2Tb HDD - it also has a 64Mb SSD !! The MoBo appears to be identical !! - this costs (a still reasonable) £819 !!
And my OS is 64bit W7 pro - I did an "anytime upgrade" a year ago using existing software !!

System

imo the biggest impact you could make on the speed of that machine is to install an SSD rather than the small step in ram

50Twuncle

the_r_sole wrote: »

imo the biggest impact you could make on the speed of that machine is to install an SSD rather than the small step in ram

I know and I do want one - only the wife won't let me spend MY money !!

50Twuncle

poppy10 wrote: »

You'll barely notice any difference going from 6GB to 8GB RAM

That is why I have decided to upgrade to 12Gb - by adding another 8Gb (plus - if the wife agrees - an SSD) - together with a fresh build - should really fly...

Shame my internet connection is so slow though (max 3.5Mbps)

Retrogamer

The easiest way to tell if you will benefit from extra ram is keep task manager running when doing memory intensive tasks. Check the graphs on the performance tab and you will be able to see if you're hitting the full memory capacity.

I play intensive PC games on my machine. The games require two expensive cards to play on max settings. I can do this (battlefield 3) whilst running the virus software in the backround, skype conversation and some other monitoring programmes and it barely goes near the 6GB useage mark.

50Twuncle

OK Currently using Format Factory to change the format of a folder of MP4 videos to AVI - 2.98Gb RAM being used !!
CPU usage 18%
HDD peaks at 25Mb/sec I/O
I am guessing that my limiting factor is MEMORY ??
How do I check the amount of available Physical RAM ?

50Twuncle

If I rebuild it - I will need Hot Swap Caddy drivers (I have backed all my files up to a 2nd 1Tb hdd) - Does Windows hold these drivers ?
Originally - this PC came with Win 7 64 bit premium installed - which I "anytime upgraded" to Professional - using OEM software (purchased from BT Shop) - I am concerned that when I do rebuild - I won't be able to access any of my 500Gb files !!!

almillar

Don't go spending money just yet. You say 18% CPU, but I assume your CPU is 4 core? If the software you're using isn't multi-core aware, it'll only be using one, and that isn't the fast way. You've got stacks of RAM. I reckon either the SPEED of the hard drive, RAM (and yours is very fast), graphics or processor is the 'limit', but an out of date programme might be at fault.
In Task Manager, whilst encoding, in the performace tab, it should show a graph for each core of the processor. If one is maxxed out, and the others just idling, then you would be better finding newer or different software.

bod1467

:rotfl:

I like it.

50Twuncle

almillar wrote: »

Don't go spending money just yet. You say 18% CPU, but I assume your CPU is 4 core? If the software you're using isn't multi-core aware, it'll only be using one, and that isn't the fast way. You've got stacks of RAM. I reckon either the SPEED of the hard drive, RAM (and yours is very fast), graphics or processor is the 'limit', but an out of date programme might be at fault.
In Task Manager, whilst encoding, in the performace tab, it should show a graph for each core of the processor. If one is maxxed out, and the others just idling, then you would be better finding newer or different software.

Yes - it is a 4 core 3770k processor (measured at 3.8Ghz)
The test was part of Windows 7 64bit - so I assume that it runs under 64 bit ?
I am planning on rebuilding the PC over the summer (possibly fitting an SSD) together with an extra 6Gb RAM - Should speed up dramatically ?